Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue

ABSTRACT

Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products ( 10 ) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information ( 62 ) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information ( 62 ) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving ( 16 ) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story ( 39 ) or other information. The information ( 72 ) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/399,250filed Apr. 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,308. This applicationclaims priority benefits to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.60/241,196, filed on Oct. 17, 2000. This application hereby incorporatesby reference, in its entirety, U.S. provisional application Ser. No.60/241,196, filed on Oct. 17, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to materially modified and enhanced toiletpaper, paper towel and facial tissue products based on specificinformation (as described below) or materials used on or in combinationwith toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products.

Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products are, by design,utilitarian in nature. The purposes for these products are obvious, andthe advancements in the toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissueproduct arts have been limited to their utilitarian purposes. Forinstance, the focus of much of the advancements in toilet paper artshave been in the area of increased softness (e.g., quilting, two-ply,etc.) for a more pleasant feel against one's skin or in the area ofpleasing appearance (designs printed or embossed on the toilet paper).Likewise, the advancements in the paper towel product arts have beenlimited to its utilitarian purposes such as increased durability,softness, or pleasing appearance.

However, toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissue have a myriad ofuses that have not been fully exploited by the prior art. One example isin the area of toilet training. It is a difficult task to train a childto stop relying on diapers, and to begin using the toilet. One manner inwhich to ease the transition during toilet training is to tailor thedesign of the toilet paper for a child. However, the toilet paper in theprior art does not address this specific need. Another example is thepotential informational or educational aspects associated with toiletpaper/paper towels. Toilet paper in the prior art have not takenadvantage of the tremendous opportunity in conveying information oreducating people while they are in the process of using toilet paper.Likewise, paper towels have a variety of information and educationaluses which have not been exploited by prior art paper towels. Moreover,many applications for facial tissues have not been fully utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, information is placed, through printingor embossing, on the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facialtissues. The information may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes(such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotionalmaterials.

In another aspect of the invention, information is placed in conjunctionwith toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. In oneembodiment, the information is placed on a sheet separate from thetoilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The informationsheet is then placed in conjunction with the toilet paper and/or papertowel by rolling the information sheet with the toilet paper and/orpaper towel. The information may comprise indicia such asadvertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crosswordpuzzles), games or other promotional materials.

In a second embodiment, the information is placed on a sheet separatefrom the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. Theinformation sheet is then interleaved with the toilet paper and/or papertowels and/or facial tissues so that upon dispensing sheet(s), aninformation sheet(s) is also dispensed.

In another embodiment, different information is placed on two or moresheets to convey a story or other information. The information may, forexample, be used to help potty train children, or to teach childrennumbers or the alphabet.

In another embodiment, information is placed every so many sheets toindicate to a child when to tear the toilet paper.

In yet another embodiment, a roll of toilet paper comprises cutouts. Thecutouts may be used to help reinforce a learning message provided by thesheets of paper. The cutouts may, for example, be figures, numbers,letters, or coupons, advertising or any other information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll of toilet paper or paper towelsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a plurality of sheets of toilet paper or papertowels.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toilet paper or paper towelsincorporating yet a further aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional view of still another aspect ofthe invention, which utilizes interleaving sheets of paper.

FIG. 5 is a more specific example of the invention shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention forconveying information, including information for potty training.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another aspect of the inventiongeared to number training.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention gearedto letter training.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention gearedto potty training.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another aspect of the inventiondirected to potty training.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in accordance with one aspect of theinvention of coupon insertion.

FIG. 12 a is a perspective view in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention of a spool incorporating cutouts. FIG. 12 b is aperspective view of the cutouts of FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view in accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention of a spool incorporating cutouts. FIG. 13 b is aperspective view of the cutouts of FIG. 13 a.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b provide a perspective view of yet another embodimentof the present invention of a spool incorporating cutouts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products have a variety ofuses beyond what has been exploited by the prior art. Specifically,toilet paper, paper towel products and facial tissues may be used forconveying information for educational, personal, entertainment andcommercial purposes, and such other purposes that encourage certainbehavior or simply advance the distribution of information. All of whichare uses that extend beyond the utilitarian nature of toilet paper,paper towels and facial tissues.

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed by reference to the accompanying figures, wherein likeelements are referred to by like numerals. Paper, such as facial tissue,toilet paper or paper towels, may come in a variety of forms for a papersupply, such as in the form of a roll, a stack, etc. Referring to FIG.1, there is shown a perspective view of a roll of toilet paper, papertowel, or facial tissue 10 of the present invention. Alternatively, thetoilet paper, paper towel, or facial tissue 10 may be in the form ofsheets stacked on top of one another.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet paper 10 is two-sided.On one side, there is information as shown in the figure. For example,the manufacturer of a brand of toilet paper may wish to increase brandidentification by printing or embossing the toilet paper's trade name oneach of the sheets of toilet paper. In this manner, information in theform of indicia may be conveyed to the toiler paper user. One method forembossing on the toilet paper is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,394,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Now referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a top view of a plurality ofsheets of toilet paper. Each sheet has information thereon. Theinformation may have similar information on each sheet (i.e., a similarpattern on each sheet). Alternatively, the sheets may comprise differentpatterns thereon. For example, there may be 4 different patterns thatrepeat every fourth sheet. A further embodiment may comprise informationthat extends over more than one sheet. As a result, a story or a seriesof other informational directions may be conveyed over a plurality ofsheets to be described in more detail below. The means by whichinformation is placed on the toilet paper may include embossing,printing, or other conventional means used in the printing or paperarts.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the toiletpaper, paper towel, or facial tissue incorporating yet a further aspectof the invention. The toilet paper comprises at least two distinctsheets 12, 14 wherein the upper sheet 12 is separable from the lowersheet 14. On the upper sheet 12 is information. The information maycomprise stories, descriptions, trivia, games, crossword puzzles,symbols. This information may be in the form of advertisements, coupons,or other promotional materials. The information may further comprisegames or prizes, such as stickers and crossword puzzles. The informationmay be removed by the toilet paper user for later use. Alternatively, asshown by the dotted line, a center sheet 16 may also be included so thatthe toilet paper used by the consumer will be two-ply in nature. Asbefore, the upper sheet may then be torn off for use as a coupon or forother advertising purposes.

In still an alternate embodiment, the information may be incorporated as“inserts” within the roll of the toilet paper such that when the roll isdispensed, the inserts are likewise dispensed on a continual feed orinterspersed basis. These inserts may comprise advertisements, coupons,or other promotional materials. The inserts may further comprise gamesor prizes, such as stickers and crossword puzzles. The inserts may bemanufactured with a coating (e.g., plastic coating) in order to maintainproper hygiene.

When the user removes paper from the roll, a coupon or prize maylikewise be dispensed. The coupon or prize information, in oneembodiment, is held within the paper product by being sandwiched betweensheets of paper (either in roll form or in stackable paper form). In oneembodiment wherein the inserts are interspersed within a roll of toiletpaper, the inserts are preferably distributed within the roll such thatthe roll has a uniform diameter (i.e., the inserts may be placed withinthe roll, spaced apart by a predetermined number of sheets of paper).Otherwise, the inserts may cause the roll to be lopsided. Thisdispersing may be done in a randomized manner such that the diameter ofthe paper roll is, on average, uniform. In another embodiment, thecoupons or prizes or any such other insert may be placed on a continuoussheet that is placed in conjunction with the rolls of toilet paper.Thus, during manufacturing, as the toilet paper is rolled onto theparent spool (spool containing the final product), a separate continuoussheet housing the inserts is likewise rolled with the toilet paper suchthat the inserts are placed therein and the diameter of the paper rollis uniform. Spacing of the inserts can occur either in a randomizedfashion, though placed at such distances to ensure a uniform diameter,or may be placed after a predetermined number of sheets (e.g., afterevery fourth sheet) in order to assist the young user to recognize theappropriate time to tear off the sheet.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an expanded cross-sectional view ofstill another aspect of the invention that utilizes interleaving sheets16 rather than rolled sheets of paper. Disposed between the interleavedsheets is a separate and distinct sheet 18 which may includeinformation. As before, the information may comprise advertisements,coupons, or other promotional materials as well as games or prizes, suchas stickers and crossword puzzles. In operation, a sheet of toilet paper16 is removed from the stack whereupon the separate and distinct sheet18 is removed as well. In this manner, for each dispense of a sheet, oneadditional sheet is dispensed.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a more specific example of theinvention shown in FIG. 4. The sheet of toilet paper 24 comprises lips20 that in turn are coupled to opposing lips 22 on the information sheet26. Similarly, opposing lips 22 on the information sheet 26 are coupledto lips 20 on the next toilet paper sheet 24. As a result, when the userpulls on one toilet paper sheet, the user is provided with aninformation sheet. This process may then be repeated in order to obtainmore sheets.

The invention can be directed to educational needs of children.Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown one means for potty trainingchildren. Specifically, the toilet paper may be patterned such that aplurality of sheets describe or pictorially illustrate a story to helpenable a child to properly be potty trained. The story set is such theat least two sheets comprise different information.

As an example of a given story set 39, in sheet 40, a toilet is shown.In sheet 42, a child sitting on the toilet is shown. In sheet 44, thetoilet paper is rolled after the child uses the toilet. In sheet 46, thetoilet is shown being flushed. Finally, in sheet 48, a sink is shownwith soap for teaching the need to wash one's hands after using thetoilet. Sheets 40 through 48 may then repeat thereafter until completionof the roll. As a result, a story set 39 may be provided over two ormore sheets of paper.

Of course, other story sets 39 are contemplated by the presentinvention. The story set may comprise a pictorial story or written storythat would be of interest to children (or adults for that matter) andwould repeat thereafter until completion of the roll. Alternatively, theroll of toilet paper could comprise a plurality of different story sets39, the given different story sets 39 repeating until the end of theroll.

The sets 39 may, for example, comprise stories of interest to children,historical information or other education information, including triviainformation. Of course, the information may be of interest to adultsand/or geared to adults. Further, the sets 39 may include a series ofadvertising information, coupons, or other publicity information gearedto consumers. Preferably, the sets 39 comprise more than two sheets ofdifferent information thereon but less than a reasonable number ofsheets having different information thereon to relay a given series ofinformation for ease of manufacturing.

The sets 39 of information may be targeted to given audiences. Forexample, toilet paper at a sports stadium may be geared to individualswho attend such activities. Toilet paper at a shopping mall utilizingthe present invention may have sets 39 of information geared to relevantconsumers at the shopping mall. Toilet paper at a restaurant may havesets 39 of information directed to the restaurant, whether it is menuinformation, coupon information, or other advertising information.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate further examples of the educational value thattoilet paper may have in accordance with the present invention. As shownin FIG. 7, the sheets may contain a sequence of numbers, one number pereach given sheet 50 of paper. The numbers may, for example, repeat everyten numbers teaching children how to count to ten while furtherinteresting them while using the restroom. Similarly, as shown in FIG.8, the sheets 52 may contain letters of the alphabet, one letter pereach given sheet 52 of paper. The letters could, for example, repeatfrom letter “A” to letter “Z”. Of course, the sheet sets 39 may compriseone set of number sheets 50 alternated with one set of letter sheets 52,repeating until the end of the roll.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate additional examples of the education valuethat toilet paper may have in accordance with the present invention forteaching children to apply the proper amount of toilet paper when usingthe restroom. Referring specifically to FIG. 9, there is shown aplurality of sheets 60 having a series of indicia 62 thereon every givennumber of sheets 60. A parent may then teach a child to pull the toiletpaper every time the indicia 62 appears in order to utilize the properamount of toilet paper per given wiping. The indicia may includeadvertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crosswordpuzzles), games or other promotional materials. The indicia may furtherbe any design such as a geometric figure (circle, square, triangle,rectangle, etc.), a cartoon character, or any other figure or design ofinterest to children. Of course, the indicia 62 may be of one or aplurality of colors to interest a child in the potty training process.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an alternate embodiment forteaching children how to use the proper amount of toilet paper whenusing the restroom. The indicia 72 may run across the lower side 73 of agiven sheet 70 of paper. The indicia 72 may, for example, comprise aband of a given color indicating to the child that it is the appropriatetime to tear the toilet paper. The indicia 72 as before would repeatevery given or predetermined number of sheets 70. Alternatively, theindicia may comprise the upper portion 74 of the sheet 70 or the totalportion of a given sheet.

As one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, prizes or otherinserts (e.g., coupons) may be incorporated with a given sheet set 39 asdescribed in connection with FIG. 6. Preferably, the prize is providedwith the last sheet of a given sheet set 39. For example, at the end ofthe story or a given sheet set 39, a prize may be included between thetwo plies of toilet paper as noted above. Alternatively, the prize orother inserts may be wrapped with a given roll of toilet paper havingsheet sets 39 of information and prizes are provided between layers andappear as the user pulls the toilet roll. Preferably, the prizes orinserts are placed at the end of the information sheet set 39. Asbefore, the prizes or inserts are preferably plastic coated, or arewrapped in plastic, to allow the user to wash them prior to use.

The incorporation of the prizes with the toilet paper may be performedby feeding 2 spools together into parent spool, with one spool being thetoilet paper and the second spool being the prize, as shown in FIG. 11.The two spools 76, 77 are integrated using idler rolls 78, 79 so thatthe integration of the spools would be continuous; however, the spacingof the prizes would be either continuous or interspersed. Ifinterspersed, the prizes would be placed at predetermined intervals(e.g., every third sheet) to assist child to know proper time to tearpaper from roll.

Now referring to FIG. 12, there is shown another aspect of the inventiongeared to using the spool 80 to convey information and/or provide toysor games. The spool 80 may comprise at least one cutout figure. Shown inFIG. 12 a are four cutout FIGS. 82, 84, 86, 88 within the spool 80. FIG.12 b shows the removed cutout FIGS. 82, 84, 86, 88. The cutouts may be adesign of interest to children why potty training such as a star 82 or ateddy bear 86. Children being potty trained may collect such cutoutfigures. By completing a roll of toilet paper, they have an end prize ofthe cutout figure.

The spool 80 may appropriately be lined on the inner side with anadhesive layer, not shown, and a release backing thereon as is commonlyused in the label industry. The user may then cutout the prize, removethe backing thereon, and apply the prize (e.g., star, bear) to a boardnot shown in order to reinforce the child and the potty trainingprocess. Similarly, the stickers described earlier may also be appliedto a board. The child will then be impressed with his/her efforts byseeing all of the prizes on the board.

The cutout figures may also represent examples of what was learned whenpulling the toilet paper. For example, utilizing the aspects illustratedin FIG. 7, a child may learn the numbers one through ten. The roll 80could provide cutout figures embodying numbers such as 84, reinforcingthe learning process. Similarly, utilizing the aspects illustrated inFIG. 8, a child may learn the alphabet. The roll 80 could provide cutoutfigures embodying letters such as 88, reinforcing the learning process.

The cutout figures may also represent a game. For example, referring nowto FIG. 13 a, there is shown a spool 80 having a tic-tac-toe boardcutout 90, an “X” 92 (only one shown), and an “O” 94 (only one shown).Referring also to FIG. 13 b, the board cutout 90, the “X” 92 and the “O”94 are shown. As a result, one can utilize the spool 80 to eitherreinforce information provide on the toilet paper or provide gameactivity for children.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown another aspect of the inventionrelated to utilizing the spool 80 for advertising purposes. A coupon orany other information 100 may be imprinted on the spool 80. As shown inFIG. 14 a, the spool further comprises a tear line 102 to allow the userto neatly utilize the coupon or information 100.

Referring also to FIG. 14 b, there may be more than one coupon providedon the spool 80. Specifically there are shown two coupons or otherinformation 102, 104 although any number of coupons may be provided. Asbefore there may be a tear line 102. There may also be a tear line 106between each of the coupons 102, 104 to allow for proper tearing.

The toilet paper may comprise advertising or other information regardinga product. Coupons 100, 102, 104 may be provided at the end of the rollto promote a given product or provide information to the consumer.

Although the spools contemplated by this invention may be made of paperas is generally used in the industry, the spool may be made oflight-weight plastic of a kind allowing the user to easily tear thecoupons 100 or cutout figures (e.g., 82, 84, 86, 88, 90) at the tearline for sanitary purposes (i.e., allowing the consumer to wash thecoupons or figures with soap and water before use). Alternatively, thespool may be paper coated in plastic for sanitary purposes as well.

Although the present invention was generally described in relation totoilet paper, it may also apply to paper towels and facial tissues,whether in rolled or interleaved format.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define thescope of the invention.

1. A paper supply comprising at least a first sheet and a second sheet forming a plurality of sheets, each of said sheets comprising at least one layer, wherein an item comprising indicia is provided to said first sheet of said plurality of sheets and not to said second sheet of said plurality of sheets.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said paper supply is a paper roll and each of said sheets is separated by perforations.
 3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said item is one of a coupon, advertisement, and prize.
 4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said at least first and second sheets of said plurality of sheets comprise different patterns.
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said patterns of said plurality of sheets repeat at least once.
 6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said patterns comprise one of drawings and characters for educating a user of said paper roll.
 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said patterns comprise drawings for educating a user to use a toilet.
 8. The invention of claim 6 wherein said patterns comprise one of numbers and letters.
 9. The invention of claim 2 wherein said item is provided at a last sheet of said plurality of sheets.
 10. The invention of claims 2 further comprising a paper spool for use with said paper roll comprising at least one cutout containing perforations around said cutout for removing said cutout from said spool.
 11. A method of teaching children using a paper supply comprising the steps of: imprinting a first sheet of said paper supply comprising a first indicia thereon; imprinting a second sheet of said paper supply downstream from said first sheet comprising a second indicia thereon which is different from said first indicia; imprinting a third sheet of said paper supply downstream from said second sheet comprising said first indicia thereon; dispensing said paper supply; and instructing a child regarding said first and second indicia.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said paper supply is one of a toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said indicia comprises potty training instruction.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said indicia comprises one of letters of the alphabet and numbers.
 15. The method of claim 11 further including the step of providing an item comprising indicia to said first sheet but not to said second sheet.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein said item is one of a coupon, advertisement, and prize.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein said paper supply is a paper roll and further including the steps of: providing said sheets to a spool; providing at least one cutout containing perforations around said cutout for removing said cutout from said spool. 